Today it was announced he has been appointed Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead - an archaic English aristocratic title which means he can no longer be an MP.

It creates the bizarre prospect of the arch-republican accepting a Crown appointment.

Mr McGuinness resigned from the Mid-Ulster constituency he first won in 1997.

Under Commons rules, MPs who quit are eligible for a 'winding up' allowance to shut down offices.

It means Mr McGuinness is in line for up to £53,150 despite having never taken his seat in Parliament.

He has also claimed parliamentary expenses, including £21,300 in 2011-12.

Norman Tebbit, whose wife was left in a wheelchair as a result of the IRA Brighton bomb in 1984, said: ‘It seems slightly extraordinary that he is entitled to the money even though he has not represented his constituents in the House of Commons.